Sudan: Four Christians put on trial for underlining Christian persecution

Four Sudanese Christians to face trial over emphasizing the persecution of Christians and bringing it to public attention. Their trial recommenced in Khartoum as charges were brought against them following their arrest. Their trial initiated last week, and has resumed this week.

Those put on trial include Peter Jasek, a Czech aid worker, Rev Hassan Abduraheem Kodi Taour and Rev Kuwa Shamal, Sudanese pastors from the Nuba Mountains of South Kordofan and Abdulmonem Abdumawla Issa Abdumawla, a Darfuri student. They have been accused of carrying out intelligence activities and dispensing material support to rebels forces.

It was reported that the prosecution presented photos and videos before the court, which he claimed showed Jasek in the Nuba mountains with a US medial relief agency. There are large numbers of Christians living in these mountains. What is more the prosecutor argued that the US medical relief agency had an intention to interview civilians that it believed had been tortured.

During the case hearing, many western diplomats were present in the court as they heard the case against the Christians. In case they are proved guilty and convicted, they are likely to be handed down capital punishment.

The prosecution further claimed that the four Christians were picturing fake videos of genocide and killings of civilians, torching of villages and persecution of Christians. They were further accused of deliberately attempting to tarnish the image of Sudanese government by means of disseminating false information.